This is a place for any extant garments in private collections from about 1941 back. There is no beginning date. The only rule is that it can't be currently in a museum and must be before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. I mostly post items I've seen on ebay, etsy, or other auction sites so we will continue to have a record of them for research purposes. If you have antique clothing in your collection, please, email me pictures of them and I will gladly add them to this site.

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Sunday, February 2, 2014

Late American Civil War Era Dress

A striking 1860’s Civil War era cocoa brown silk one piece dress that has recently been de-accessioned from a museum collection. The bodice and sleeve cuffs are trimmed with pleated olive green velvet trim. The neck, armscyes and waist are piped. The bodice is lined with cotton and has a front button closure. There is one missing button and one extra button that will be included. The skirt is fully lined with cotton. The dress is in very good condition. There is a 5 inch split along the edge of the hemline, a couple of small pea size holes and light soiling in the same area. There is a very slight line of underarm discoloration. A very pretty display dress. Bust 32 Waist 22 Front Skirt length 38 ½ Back length 43.

From Me:

Although the seller says brown, it looks burnt orange to me - which would look AWESOME with the olive green trim. :-) I think this was meant for a petite woman or a young miss give the skirt length - 40" to 42" would be normal over the front of an elliptical hoop.